Proposed Astros free agent target would basically slam the door on Alex Bregman
A bold Astros target could spell the end for Alex Bregman.
The Houston Astros face a few tough decisions this offseason after flaming out in the Wild Card round. We just aren’t used to Houston exiting the playoffs so quickly. Dusty Baker is gone, and several key free agent decisions pepper the horizon. The specter of change looms over this organization like a dark cloud, and there’s no way around it.
Perhaps the most fascinating decision for Houston this summer will involve veteran third baseman Alex Bregman, who was integral to two World Series victories. Bregman has spent his entire career to date with Houston, but the 30-year-old is now eligible for a major payday. The expectation is that his contract will creep over the $151 million benchmark set by Matt Chapman a month ago.
Bregman brings quite a lot to the table. He’s essentially a five-tool player, complete with a sharp glove at the hot corner, excellent bat-to-ball skills, and serious power behind his swings. The Astros traditionally pay their dudes, but with Kyle Tucker due for a truly substantial extension next winter, Houston could hedge its bets and conserve cap space. Especially after such a middling season by their high organizational standards.
The path to re-signing Bregman gets even tougher if the Astros decide to actually pursue other big-ticket free agents. There is a real either-or energy to some proposed Astros targets, such as New York Mets All-Star Pete Alonso.
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